Special Edition Plum100 Release

The Plum100 features the 100 Most Influential People of Reno/Tahoe. This special edition magazine is followed up by an awards production and celebration. Learn more at plum100.eventbrite.com

w w w. j e r a m i e l u . c o m
(775) 336-8843
n April 2012, the Plum crew began a journey to re-brand the
Reno/Tahoe region. Paired with our drive to invest in people
versus paper we choose to leverage the power of digital
publications as a tool to quickly spread the word about the
courage and character of the Truckee Meadows.
I
We have been humbled by supporters throughout the US and
Canada whose support has helped, Plum Influence Magazine,
reach over 14,500 unique on-line views since our inaugural issue
was released on June 6th. So, thank you to everyone who has
helped us spread the word!
Let's face it… it’s going to be hard work and it’s going to take
strong community determination to turn the negative conversation
about Reno around. From my experience in branding and
franchising I have learned the best way to start re-branding and
changing ingrained perceptions is by recognizing and giving a
powerful voice to the people who are already making a difference.
The Plum 100 does just that by showcasing our local heroes,
scientists, non-profits, artists, teachers, foodies and leaders who
seize opportunities that drive our economic engine.
Individually, we should all thrive to be a positive thriving asset
to the region yet it is our collection of challenges, hopes and
stories that make the culture of our community limitless. We must
cooperate in order to move forward and truly showcase what we
are made of. It’s an eve of a new era Reno, let’s get moving!
Founder and CEO of Plum11 Inc
*Important for Plum100 honorees - We would love to feature every
individuals professional photo and detailed biography. If you are
missing any of these we understand schedules were tight for this
release but we will be uploading updates to the magazine two more
times this month.
Please schedule your photo shoot and send in your up to 400 word
biography to Ashley Graham at ashley@plum11.com; Thank you
and welcome to the Plum100!
About Us
Advertise
We celebrate the courage and character of
the Reno/Tahoe community. The spirit of our
entrepreneurs who innovate, grow and go after
the thrill of ‘because I can.’ We focus on our local
stories, heroes, scientists, non-profits, artists,
teachers and leaders who seize opportunities that
drive our economic engine.
Get your name noticed, grow your business
and stand for the difference you want to make.
Contact us today to bring your vision to life.
Advertise in Plum Influence Magazine.
The Plum Influence Magazine is here to show
the world what we are made of and the simple
pleasures all around us. Our recreational
treasures, world renowned events and secret hot
spots we all escape to.
We’re always interested in highlighting projects,
culture, or individuals with unique virtues in Reno/
Sparks/Tahoe. If you have a success story worth
telling, we are all ears! Please contact us today to
serve up your delectable scoop in our next issue.
We are fueled by turning Reno’s bad reputation
portrayed on film and TV into a truer reflection of
our community. Our mission is to spread the word
about the positives of our community allowing
people to feel confident in investing in us, traveling
here and being a part of what the area has to offer.
Plum Influence readers and advertisers live
beyond a mediocre mindset in business and in life;
they believe in this town and we support them.
Be In the Loop
Subscribe here to recieve each issue of Plum Influence
Magazine in your inbox the second it is published. It’s
FREE, it’s fun, it’s what all the cool kids are doing.
Story Time
Legal Stuff
The views and opinions expressed within Plum
Influence Magazine are those of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the official policy
or position of the interviewed or mentioned
parties. Plum Influence Magazine is not affiliated,
managed or reviewed by any local or outside
government and/or tourism agency.
The staff at Plum Influence Magazine does our
best to reference any content or images used.
Facts and statistics mentioned have been double
checked with the company representatives in
order to sustain our policy to provide a credible
resource.
Published by:
Plum Influence Magazine / Reno, NV 89501
www.pluminfluence.com
influence@plum11.com
(775) 622-0439
Editor & Chief:
Ashley Graham |
Designer:
Jason Simmons | jason@plum11.com
ashley@plum11.com
PIM Official Photographer: Jeramie Lu of Jeramie Lu Studios | www.jeramielu.com
Plum100 Hair and Makeup Artist, Guest Copy Editor: Rebecca Schembri of Salon 7 www.rebeccaschembri.com
Plum100 Makeup Artist: Tina Mokuau, Independent Artist - www.tinamakeupartist.com
Guest Copy Editor: Melodie Swan-Fisher, Aleta Simmons
to
the
top
100
congratulations
100 things to do
and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only
on Monday.
Reno is jam-packed full of things to do every day of
the week. Reno.com is your top resource for all things
going on; whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to indulge in some
sushi or hit the bike trail, reno.com can get you there.
Go to reno.com/calendar for complete and
up-to-date lists of things to do in Reno
Sign up for our weekly events
newsletter at reno.com/newsletter
where to go, what to do
Camie Craigg
Lively,
Purposeful
Networking
Breaks
Through Stale
“Here’s
my card”
Normalities
I
o attend a training or networking event led by
Jeffrey Benjamin is to experience exhilaration and
inspiration. Engaging groups through a dynamic
and interactive approach that encourages full
participation, motivational and international speaker.
Jeffrey Benjamin works the room once a month to
create a must-attend networking event for business
leaders. Breakthrough Network™, Benjamin’s
networking group, attracts professionals from an
array of industries—company reps and business
leaders ready to make things happen while enjoying a
sponsored drink and treat in hand.
Benjamin founded Breakthrough Network™ in 1993
and has delivered over 2,500 presentations, coauthored eight personal development books and been
featured on more than 400 television and radio shows.
This extraordinary local influences cities, states and
countries way beyond the Truckee Meadows’ borders.
Jeffrey Benjamin’s renowned Breakthrough Mixers
are held one Tuesday a month, and he also appears
on a radio show that airs on 99.1 FM Fox News Radio
Sundays at 9:30 am.
Toni Quiruz
Camilla Downs
Krisstin Thorburn
RENO
Shapes
it Up
With Government
Support
A
ndy Bass believes in getting Reno
into shape and celebrating the
importance of health. As Recreation
Manager for The City of Reno
Parks, Recreation and Community Services,
he is the creator and promoter of the, Shape
Up Reno Program.
The program offers fitness classes to the
public, free of charge with key partners 24
Hour Fitness and The Studio. Bass has earned
the support of the Northern Nevada community
by founding this unique public-private
partnership.
“I’ve been working out all year yet once I
started the boot camp in June it really kick
started everything. It provides valuable
classes to the community for free that normally
you would have to spend high dollar monthly
fees for. I really appreciate, Channell with 24
hour fitness for donating her time to the Shape
Up Reno cause.” Aleta Simmons, regular Boot
Camp attendee has lost 27 pounds since
January of 2012.
Classes, which boast 421 participants since
the program began in June of this year, are
held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at
City Plaza and Saturdays at Wingfield Park,
(yoga).
Dedicated to
Community
Enrichment
B
eginning his Reno Police Department career
in 2004, Carlos Valles, has given back big to
our community and the local police force.
Valles is a member of the, RPD Enrichment Committee
and assists in the, RPD Christmas Bike Giveaway and
annual toy drive. He doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there by giving his
time as a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) Coordinator.
Busy helping others Valles is a S.A.F.E. Advisor, RPD
Academy Instructor and he works with the RPD Junior
Explorers Program, College Internship Program and
RPD Cadet Program.
Valles, has proven himself a true hero within our
community by dedicating his time to such imperative
programs.
Final Voice
and
Closure
R
aised in a military household the young KC
Myers traveled the world with his US Army
father, his brother and mother.
Myers was plucked by a Reno Police Department
recruiter while attending UNLV and by 2002 he
graduated from TMCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Law Enforcement Academy.
He has worked as a patrol officer, a K9 handler and a
detective.
Presently, Myers is a robbery homicide detective
providing a final voice and closure for those who sadly
can no longer speak for themselves.
Myers is a loving father with two young children and
doting husband to Nevada native Diane EdmondsMyers.
Ribbon-Lined
Jacket of Honor
J
ohn Brownell loves Nevada and currently serves in
the Nevada National Guard as the international affairs
officer providing valuable insight on international
relations to the state adjutant general.
He works directly with the National Guard Bureau
developing policy for the Battle Born Guard’s international
engagement, and is responsible for implementing
international programs and sustaining National Guard
readiness through global engagement.
In 2011, Brownell received the Reno Gazette Journal’s
Twenty under 40 Award, a prestigious award that recognizes
the year’s twenty most successful people under age 40
in northern Nevada. He is also the recipient of numerous
military honors including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint
Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation
Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force
Achievement Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
Commander’s Excellence Award.
Involved in a diverse range of community organizations
and associations, Brownell dedicated his time to: the
Nevada Area Council Boy Scouts of America, the Nevada
Area Council Learning for Life/Exploring, and the National
Guard Association of the United States. Additionally, he
supports the Nevada Military Support Alliance, Sierra Air
National Guard Association, Reno-Tahoe Young Professional
Network, Military Officers Association of America, and
disabled veterans programs.
Brownell has also been recognized for his work with kids
who desire to work in law enforcement. He developed the
High-Intensity Explorer Academy Training program, a threeday training academy for Explorers 14-20 years of age. He is
also recognized for his fundraising work through the Nevada
Military Support Alliance Golf Classics and the Nevada
National Guard Association.
Mathew Biggins
Reno Renegade,
Entrepreneur of theYear
and 27,000 Square Foot
Innovator
M
ichael Bosma pairs small businesses and entrepreneurs
with world class tax experts. He is the brain behind
the 27,000 square foot collaborative office space
called, The Bosma Business Center, which recently
held its grand opening on July 26, 2012. He shared his vision
of a professional grade collaborative business center filled with
resources including conference rooms, a classroom and two
limos.
Bosma is the founding member of the reconstituted Reno
Tahoe Open Renegades. The Renegades have raised over
$250,000 to showcase Reno-Tahoe as a great place to live,
work, and grow a business during the airing of the RTO on the
Golf channel. Out of the forty-seven PGA event the Reno-Tahoe
Open is the only one sponsored by its community versus a big
name brand sponsor.
In 1993, he was a proud graduate of the University of Nevada
Las Vegas where he graduated with a Master of Science in
Accountancy with an emphasis in taxation. Oddly after being
welcomed by the Wolf Pack community while decked out in
Rebels Red, Lori Bosma was taken by the spirit of Reno. The
Bosma couple moved out to Reno to build their blessed life that
same year.
Bosma currently serves on the Reno Philharmonic Board, Reno
Tahoe Foundation, WIN boards, and occasionally is a Pundit
for Nevada Newsmakers. Bosma has been instrumental in
Northern Nevada’s emergence as a leader in attracting venturebacked companies as evidenced by his leadership position
in TechAlliance, (now Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship
and Technology) and pioneering the BLAST! Business Plan
Competition, and in 2002 was recognized as Nevada’s top
technology person by the Technology Business Alliance of
Nevada. Mike was honored to be recognized as the RGJ’s
Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010.
He is a season ticket holder for the Aces where he recently
celebrated his 27 year anniversary with Lisa Bosma.
Lauren Yurick
Leading and Inspiring Sales Teams to
“Wild Success”
A
lice Heiman firmly believes that all businesses can have
the sales they need to be wildly successful.
Informative, compelling, experienced and smart, the sales
coach and trainer motivates sales forces and makes a profound
difference in the way they approach networking and sales
generation.
A nationally recognized expert, Heiman has a proven record
of leading and inspiring sales team, both giant corporations
and start-ups alike. Showing sales professionals how to sell
comfortably and successfully, Heiman has consulted with and
trained sales organizations at companies like Schneider Logistics,
Coca Cola, Hewlett Packard, Price Water House Coopers and
Mercedes Benz, as well as myriad small companies. Through her
training, clients have seen a 40- to 75-percent increase in sales.
After developing her expertise while at Miller Heiman, Inc.,
Heiman struck out on her own, establishing Alice Heiman, LLC in
1997. She spends most of her time mentoring small businesses
and providing online sales training to business owners through
her Sales Success Groups.
A consummate networker, Heiman is the author of the eBook
Connecting Your Way to New Business and the developer of The
BizTalk Blender®, a business networking event that structures
results for B2B interactions.
She’s appeared on radio and television as well as print
publications, including Entrepreneur’s Startups and Selling
Power magazines. Her work has earned her numerous awards,
including Saleswoman of the Year, Marketer of the Year and the
US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Blue Ribbon Award.
For the past 20 years, she has spoken at numerous conferences
and professional organizations and run sales training for sales
professionals throughout the country.
For the effect her techniques and expertise have on business
and our economy, Reno is fortunate to call Alice Heiman one of its
own.
Joesph Dutra
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
Proves
You
Can
Breakthrough Any Barrier in Life
I
f there is one thing that Jennifer Oxier, (known publicly as
Jenny O), believes; it is that success is what you make of
it. She grew up playing with makeup and hair, sometimes
on her dad as he napped. Oxier began her career as
simply as most of us do-wanting to make a living doing what
she loved. It wasn't until she was ostracized for being gay
and refused to accept defeat and discrimination that she began a heartfelt journey that made Reno salon culture history.
Oxier decided conquering her world was her only option.
Possessing fierce business and marketing skills, she formed
an unbreakable network throughout the city. Determined to
makes friends with everyone because she believes 'in good
kharma', her community support is astounding and transcends all professions.
Oxier's dream child, A Salon 7, is voted Best Salon in Reno
for almost a decade and is the niche in Reno for Hollywood
and cutting-edge looks and for celebrity hair and makeup.
Working from the heart, Oxier's salon is branded as upscale
but not uptight. It is a mecca for the best talent in Reno and
houses almost 40 beauty professionals who are required
to train with educators stemming from the New York beauty
industry and high-fashion and global influences.
Jenny O's courage and tenacity is an inspiration to her entire
salon family and to the Reno community. Aside from working
behind the chair, Oxier provides education in business and
marketing and is an inspirational speaker.
Earlier this year, Jenny O was called for hair and makeup for
United States Vice President Joe Biden when he came to
Reno. An 'epitome' to her career and another dream come
true, she applied bronzer, hair spray and chap-stick. Then,
with a proverbial football smack and in her usual maternal
spirit, she continued to educate and inspire even our most
powerful of leaders. Oxier looked at Biden lovingly and told
him to be sure to say Nevada in his speech, not Nevahda!
Nancy Horn
Mark Estee
Amanda Burden
Haley Wood
Pete Parker
Mike Kazmierski
Heart DrivenBrand
Meets Office
Supply Innovation
I
n 2011, Jenifer Rose, launched a new way of ordering
day to day office supplies when she founded, It’s My
Community Store. Her one-of-a-kind business model
donates ten percent of each sale to the local charity of
the purchaser’s choice. Supplies include school, office, printer
and technology needs all shipped in a jiffy to your door. With
over 30 non-profit partners in three states, she expects the
business to be her biggest venture yet.
In 2003, Rose’s “Future Computer Technologies,” made the
Inc. 500 list (a listing of the fastest growing privately held US
companies). After successfully selling her business, Rose
purchased, It’s Just Lunch and went from trading in computer
supplies to dealing in love lives.
Rose is the talented host of, The
Plush Life TV Show; a fun, informative
show featuring local businesses,
events and charities by focusing on
ways to live a happy, healthy life while
supporting the community.
With It’s My Community Store, off to a
wonderful start and a highly rated TV
show on the air for four years, Rose
still finds time to get involved in numerous
charity events, networking groups and
projects that support local businesses and improve the local
economy.
Jenifer Rose is cherished by the community because of her
endless dedication to helping others succeed, buy local efforts
and being a local advocate for dozens of charities.
Dave Archer
House of Music
Leads to Nationally Known Talent
I
n 2005 at the young age of 16 Whitney Myer’s first album titled,
Last Days, kicked off her career to PopSoulFunk music fame.
Dream Killer, her 2010 album was a hit winning multiple Reno
News and Review Best of awards for Best Album of the Year, Best
Band and Best Musician.
NBC’s hit The Voice scouts were captivated by Myer’s talent in early
2012. “The band didn’t have a show that weekend so I decided to drive
to San Francisco and audition” Myer recalls. Out of 500,000 contestants
she was chosen to join other dreamers ready to make it happen; live.
It only took Adam Levine 17 seconds to turn his chair and shortly after
him the other three judges turned to witness her magnetic voice, “You
remind me of Mary J.,” Levine stated while begging Myer to join his
team. “Genuine, creative and original,” Christina Aguilera. Levine won
Myer’s heart and she was off to the battle round with powerhouse, Kim
Yarbrough.
Our community lined the walls of Great Basin Brewery in Sparks Nv.,
tuned in to NBC and sent hundreds of supportive messages over social
networks. At the end one viewer wrote, “It was like Whitney Houston
vs Rihanna” and although Myer came home she inspired us all to take
action and go after our dreams.
Raised in a house filled with music Whitney Myer’s mother and
father were both working and accomplished musicians. Myer’s fondly
remembers learning to sing harmonies and write songs from her
multi-talented mother. Her dad, the guitar player for, “The Mudsharks”
brought Myer’s along for shows, dancing in mosh pits and with wideeyed enthusiasm Myer’s knew her dad was the biggest rock star on the
planet…not much has changed in this regard.
Currently finishing up her third album with the Whitney Myer’s Band,
scheduled for a 2012 fall release, she has begun recording solo
material. Myer performs throughout our region and along the west
coast.
House of Music Leads to Nationally Known Talent “I'm so proud to
help shine a positive light on Reno. I'm thankful for all that it has made
me, and all that we can help bring back to our desert haven.” –Whitney
Myer
High-Profile Reporting
Meets Hometown Heart
W
hether infusing the local news with a
positive twist, “joining” the circus, inspiring
community involvement, emceeing an event
or even interviewing the President, Kristen
Remington is a force we recognize.
If you’ve tuned in to Channel 2 for the evening news,
you probably feel like you know the dark-eyed beauty.
Creating weekly segments like Someone 2 Know, which
highlights people making a difference in our community,
and Money Watch Q & A, Remington’s work shows that
she cares about her hometown.
A five-time Emmy-nominated anchor/reporter, Kristen
Remington was named a Woman of Achievement by the
Nevada Women's Fund, and she received the "20 Under
40" award through the Young Professionals Network.
In June of this year, Remington was one of eight
reporters nationwide chosen to attend “Live at the White
House” day. Reno’s hometown girl had the honor of
interviewing President Obama and asked him questions
of interest to Northern Nevadans.
In 2008, the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society named
Remington Celebrity of the Year. Unfortunately, her
husband was diagnosed with Leukemia last year. Driven
to raise awareness about the disease and highlight the
importance of donating blood, she shared their story onair and on Facebook.
Another one of Remington’s most memorable feature was
a story on a little boy with anemia. Because of “Garrett,”
she learned she has a special blood type compatible with
ill children and cancer patients. The experience led her to
become a baby blood donor and the face of Channel 2’s
annual Give 2 Live blood drive.
Remington also supports a host of non-profits, including
United Blood Services, Alert ID and Think Kindness. She
has served on the Truckee Meadows Law Enforcement
Chaplaincy board, as well as Washoe County Local
Emergency Planning Committee.
For caring that goes beyond just reporting the news, for
community involvement and for personal transparency, it’s
easy to see why Kristen Remington is an iconic asset to
our region.
Tony Savage
Transforming
Lackluster Spaces
into Whimsical
Destinations
S
tep into Renown’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit,
Pediatric Emergency Department or Children’s
Healing Garden and you’ll feel like you’re in
Disneyland vs a stagnant medical facility. With
curves, instead of corners, and pops of color, instead of stark
hues and sterile steel, Marie Wikoff has transformed not only
the space but the experience for the children and families who
use the medical center.
The award-winning interior designer specializes in healthcare,
commercial office space and religious facilities. Depending
on the need, Wikoff’s designs make over the barren, bland or
even bygone to the functional, whimsical or serene. Slated for
demolition, local landmark St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral was
spared the wrecking ball, its interior put into Marie’s hands for
complete “resurrection.” With new finishes and technologies,
the talented designer created an “enlightened” space.
Wikoff’s work has been recognized far outside the local area,
giving rise to projects like her latest: Hospital de Cancer de
Barretos, a hospital redesign in São Paulo, Brazil.
Marie Wikoff has devoted her career to bringing out the best
in her clients by providing them with a space they can call
home. Her projects develop their own identity based on locale,
end-user needs, technology, economic resource requirements
and sustainability. “Marie is an extremely conscientious
designer...accommodating and creative in her approach to
design, [striving] to introduce sustainable and environmentally
friendly products into her work,” opines a testimonial about her
projects. Wikoff and her team incorporate the client’s vision into
a goal: to create a true working and healing environment.
Besides her commercial projects, Marie’s community
contributions include the sponsorship of student interior
designers through the American Society of Interior Designers
(ASID), and donating time and resources to Ronald McDonald
House Charities.
Wikoff lives by Walt Disney’s assertion that “You can design
and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But
it takes people to make the dream a reality."
Home-Away
From-Home
Executive Fosters
Open-Arms
for Visiting Families
I
n 2008 Marty Ozer went from Ronald
McDonald House Charity, (R.M.H.C.),
and board member to the Executive
Director for Northern Nevada. After
ten years on the board he was offered
the chance to step in and steer the
success of the charity. The local R.M.H.C.
offers families a home away from home
to families with children in the hospital.
As Executive Director, Ozer oversees
a staff of 10 and manages an annual
operating budget of $850,000 for
R.M.H.C.'s five core programs: The
Reno Ronald McDonald House, The
Ronald McDonald Family Room, The
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, the
R.M.H.C. U.S. Scholarship Program
and the Travel-for-Treatment Program.
The R.M.H.C. U.S. Scholarship program
has given $750,000 dollars, making it
the second largest higher education
scholarship in Northern Nevada.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marty is so passionate about the
Ronald McDonald House. To come
from the television industry where most
people when they’re done count their
money and head to Florida or California,
most of those people definitely wouldn’t
stay in their community and give back to
that community like Marty has.” - Maury
Povich & Connie Chung during an
interview with Jenifer Rose, on the Plush
Life, filmed August 2012.
In the last 4 years, Ozer has and built
strong collaborative partnerships and
secured hundreds of thousands of dollars
in foundation gifts, individual gifts and
corporate sponsorships.
Marty was the Vice President and
General Manager of KRXI FOX and
KAME My Network TV in Reno, NV for 10
years. Prior to that, he was the President
of KATZ Media Corporation in New York
City.
Marty and his wife, Ruby, enjoy traveling,
the outdoors and spending time with their
children and grandchildren.
Amber Lynn Dobson
Mike Wurm
Brad Brighton
Johnny Larkins
Colin Loretz
Dean Parker
Chris Riche
Dave Asher
Ryan Dolan
Hillary Schieve
Jim Ghiglieri
Our September
Plum Influence Magazine
is a special issue that has one
main focus: to spotlight the 100
top influencers in our area who inspire us,
challenge us, open our eyes to the power of
charity, get us to think broader and bigger and those
who change the game.
The process of finding these 100 individuals was
a multi-tiered format that goes beyond the â&#x20AC;&#x153;like usâ&#x20AC;?
tactic on Facebook and vote for your favorite. It was
a community nomination and collective effort to find
the perfect fit for each of the ten categories.
The ten categories go beyond the business
savvy or politician focused; it is dedicated to the
following people:
Foodies
Beautiful Minds
Scientists & Thinkers
Artists & Icons
Super Heroes
Community Leaders
Charity Drivers
EXTRAordinary
Risk-takers & Visionaries
Economic Leaders & Industry Experts
Eve of a New Era
9-28-2012
Save the Date
Celebrate the courage and character of the
Reno/Tahoe region with our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
100 Most Influential People.
Sponsored by:
For tickets go to www.plum100.eventbrite.com